Manager Kim Turner demands instant response as Glens look to bounce back against Lisburn Ladies in Sports Direct Women’s Premiership

Kim Turner

KIM Turner says the best way for Glentoran to put their All-Island Cup defeat to Waterford behind them is to get back to winning ways again as soon as possible.

The Glens slipped to their first defeat of the season last Sunday when the League of Ireland outfit secured a 1-0 win at the Blanchflower Stadium.

And while there was disappointment in the ranks as losing their 100% record, Turner says they will be determined to get back to winning ways again when they host Lisburn Ladies in the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership on Sunday (Kick-off 5pm).

“The most important thing after you’ve had a setback is how quickly you can put it right again,” said the Glentoran manager.

“It’s a sign of a good team as to how quickly they bounce back after a defeat and that’s the message we will be putting into the players in the build-up to Sunday.

“It’s been a great start to the season and the players have been excellent so far. They have improved week on week and executed what we have planned for.

“Unfortunately last Sunday it didn’t pan out like we had hoped and fair play to Waterford they took their chance and saw the game out to take the win.

“We were obviously disappointed at the end, and rightfully so as we go into every game aiming to win it.

“But the dust has settled now and our attention switches to get back to winning ways once again.

“We can’t afford to dwell on it as it’s a long season and one result won’t define it, but if we let it affect our performances moving forward then that’s going to cause a problem.

“The players are aware of this however and I know come Sunday they will be determined to go out there, work hard and put in a performance capable of coming away with all three points.”

The Glens have already met Lisburn Ladies this season as they secured a 2-0 win on the opening night in the Boyle Sports Women’s Cup.

It’s been a mixed opening to the season for the Lisburn side with their 3-2 win over Crusaders Strikers last month their only victory to date, but Turner insists Glentoran will not be taking anything for granted.

“I think last weekend’s result against Waterford showed us anything can happen in football no matter what sort of form either team is in,” said Turner.“What has happened before counts for nothing, it’s all about the 90 minutes in front of you.

“Waterford came here with a game plan and executed perfectly to secure the win and I’m sure Lisburn Ladies will be looking to do the same.

“They will feel all the pressure is on us, especially after our defeat last week, and that will suit them perfectly as they can just concentrate on doing their own thing.

“Our big message this week is to make sure we do everything we can to put ourselves in a positiongo and win the game.

“That comes down to working hard for each other out on the pitch and hitting the levels we have set ourselves.

“We know what we are capable of and we know that we have heart and spirit, and those things will stand us in good stead.

“As I said, we are disappointed to lose a game but we can’t let it get to us. We have to focus on the next game and get ourselves back on track.

“I have no doubt the players will be determined to do that come Sunday as I have every faith and belief in this squad and their determination to go on and bring even more success to this club.”